A 63-year-old with suspected CAP asks about starting antibiotics based solely on a low procalcitonin. Which guidance applies?...

Question

A 63-year-old with suspected CAP asks about starting antibiotics based solely on a low procalcitonin. Which guidance applies?

Accepted Answer

Procalcitonin alone should not determine antibiotic initiation

Answer

Start antibiotics if PCT

Answer

Withhold antibiotics when PCT ≥0.25 ng/mL

Answer

PCT replaces clinical assessment and imaging

Answer

PCT is recommended to decide site of care

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Community-Acquired Pneumonia